There has been a lot of talk about mindfulness over the last few years, but it is more relevant now than ever before, especially with the current global pandemic caused by COVID-19. People are more stressed and more burnt out than ever, and there are relative uncertainty and complex ambiguity on a global scale. The result is that people aren’t really happy with their lives, and this translates into poor career performance. Interviewed by John Golden, Professor Rao explores mindfulness, and how this tool can help you live a happier life, and lead a more successful career.
This expert sales interview explores:
- Defining mindfulness
- Challenges to mindfulness
- The importance of uncovering meaning in life
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a practice that gives meaning and peace to people’s lives. It’s about living in the present. This means disregarding worry about the past, especially the unpleasant events that only serve to bring you down, and disregarding worry about the future, which cannot be predicted. We tend to look back a lot with regret, and live with a lot of dissatisfaction in the present that makes us look to the future. It’s all about living in the present, and adding value to your life so that you can live it with purpose and meaning.
Why is Mindfulness so difficult?
Mindfulness, and living in the present, can be quite difficult, for many reasons. One of the reasons is that technology, while it has brought many comforts and advancements, has also brought many challenges. People are so connected to cell phones and other technological devices that they are being constantly distracted, which creates a failure to focus on the present. People also struggle with a work-life balance. It can be difficult to juggle self-care, working hard at your career, and dedicating time to family and friends. While working is great, and having a career is an important part of anyone’s life, there is a disconnection from people and self. In fact, creating more connection with yourself and with others can improve your life tremendously, which will, in turn, make you a happier, better worker.
Uncovering Meaning:
One of the ways to increase mindfulness and enjoy the present is to explore what motivates you. Many people have never asked themselves why they’re doing what they’re doing, or what motivates them to move forward. People might answer that they go to work because it’s a paycheck, or live in a certain city because of certain demographic advantages, proximity to work, etc. But so often, we are motivated by external things and external comparisons with others that we don’t stop to consider what motivates us and what gives our life meaning. If you don’t know the purpose of what you’re doing, it’s hard to say focused on doing it in the present. With respect for yourself, take time to do self-reflection on what is required in your life. Look at different areas, like professionally, personally, culturally, etc. Exploration of meaning and motivation is an essential mindfulness tool that will help you get through difficult times.
Our Host
John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.
Comments